Who we look for

I believe the perfect platform for making a real change would be in one's own country.

— Farah Bayoumi, Teach For Lebanon

Teach For Malaysia is looking for young Malaysian leaders who want to make a difference. We are looking for individuals from all backgrounds, majors, and professional experiences who have what it takes to excel as teachers, and to improve the quality of education for children growing up in high-need communities.

We recognise that leaders come in many forms with varied past experiences, so there is no one profile of an “ideal” Teach For Malaysia applicant. Ultimately, we look for individuals who have achieved significant results and demonstrated a range of leadership qualities, because we know these individuals will lead children growing up in high-need communities to success.

In our assessment of applicants, we look for evidence of:

• Outstanding achievement with a proven track-record academically, professionally and through involvement with extra-curricular activities;
• Commitment to Teach For Malaysia’s mission and goals as well as commitment to making a long-term impact in Malaysia’s education sector;
• Ability to adeptly communicate, persuade and motivate others, to resolve conflicts in challenging environments and to interact proficiently in both English and Bahasa Malaysia;
• Excellent problem-solving skills, critical thinking and creativity;
• Strong organisational and planning skills;
• Unrelenting determination, perseverance, resilience, and love for challenge; and
• Appreciation for diversity and remarkable respect, humility and empathy for others

Young professionals and students in their final year of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree are strongly encouraged to apply.

Bachelor’s Degree

Applicants must have received their Bachelor’s degree from a college or university that is accredited by the Public Services Department by the first day of Teach For Malaysia’s Institute (to commence in November of every year). Exceptions to this requirement may be granted for applicants from Australian universities, who provide documentation that they have fulfilled all their graduation requirements but do not yet have their degree conferred. Please write to admissions@teachformalaysia.org for further information.

Malaysian Citizenship

For our 2012 cohort, Teach For Malaysia is accepting applications from Malaysian citizens only. You will be required to provide evidence of your citizenship during the admissions process.

Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia and English

Applicants must be proficient in both Bahasa Malaysia and English.

While the Teach For Malaysia admissions process, training and overall Fellowship experience will be conducted mainly in English, Teach For Malaysia Fellows will be placed in government schools where they would be expected to teach and communicate effectively in Bahasa Malaysia.

No Current Requirement to Teach in Government Schools

The Teach For Malaysia Fellowship is specifically designed for individuals who may have never considered a career in the teaching profession. In order to apply, applicants must not be studying towards, or have completed, a qualification that requires them to teach in Malaysian government schools.

However, if you hold an education-related qualification that does not require you to serve in a government school, you may be eligible for the programme. Please write to us at admissions@teachformalaysia.org for further information.